The work of more than 25 Physical Therapy Department students, faculty, and alumni was on display this past Saturday at the annual conference of the Massachusetts chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA MA). In addition to posters and presentations showcasing the latest research on topics ranging from exercise in people with cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, strategies in PT education, and interventions for people with breast cancer, APTA also highlighted the ongoing contributions of Dr. Teresa Kimberley by presenting her with the Clinical Research Award.

"This is a tremendous honor, particularly since Massachusetts is renowned for its numerous impactful clinical research labs," said Dr. Kimberley, who is the director of the MGH Institute’s Brain Recovery Lab, which aims to help people recover from neurologic injury, especially stroke and dystonia. 

The Lab has produced work that has resulted in more than 50 publications that have been cited more than 5000 times and helped to pioneer the use of neuroimaging and non-invasive brain stimulation in the investigation of rehabilitation-related areas. She was on the team of stroke experts that helped the American Heart Association issue a new policy statement that called for stroke survivors to be discharged based on their functional needs, not their zip code or insurance. Kimberley’s mentorship has also been recognized, as she was awarded the MGH Institute Excellence in Research Mentorship Award in 2024. 

“Dr. Kimberley has been at the forefront of using neuromodulation to develop novel interventions for neurorehabilitation,” wrote Department of Physical Therapy Chair Keshrie Naidoo, and School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Dean Laura Plummer when they nominated her for the award. “She fosters an environment of excitement about learning and discovery that is developing the next generation of scientists who will continue to make meaningful impact on the patients they serve.”